David's Blog from the Creative Coast & Carolina Low Country!

Savannah Garden Exposition this Weekend!

This weekend is the famous Savannah Garden Exposition. Although my company was invited to be an Exhibitor, I have never attended the event, but it's intrigue is great. It is hosted at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum (http://www.chsgeorgia.org/roundhouse/home.htm), a totally cool venue in itself, showcasing Savannah train history.

For this event, my company, Erin P. Salzer Landscape Design, (www.ErinPSalzer.com), was invited with 7 other companies, to create a 10'x 10' exhibition garden. This garden was to be based on'“Our Square Roots” in honor of Savannah’s distinctive city planning and garden designs.'

Our concept was to create a garden showcasing Savannah as a jewel of the Southeast Coast. Features in the garden are inspired by the city’s past, present, and future. For example, the gold bed walls pay homage to the gold dome of City Hall, and architectural elements used in the garden are seen throughout the city. The usage of the square as the basis of the garden refers to the perfect Oglethorpe plan for the city, a plan known throughout the world for its unique ingenuity. The plantings chosen are lush and elegant, pairing and grouping together for an appealing juxtaposition that is also indicative of the city. Southern and tropical plants evoke the sultriness of our subtropical climate, which lets such different plants mesh together.

Further interest is gained by the usage of plants of varying texture and foliage, not just flowers, which is a low maintenance technique for the home garden. The color splashes seen in the recycled tumbled glass aggregate add a vibrant jewel tone to the garden. The glass is a clean, modern, eco-friendly alternative groundcover.  Depending on the application of recycled glass, an architect or client may claim LEED credits or “green points.”

The Expo begins Friday, April 17th and will run through Sunday, April 19th, 2009, rain or shine, at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum at 601 W. Harris Street.  Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Hope to see you all there!

Savannah Sand Gnats, Opening Day Baseball, April 9th!

  This Thursday, baseball returns to Savannah with a 6:30 game against the Augusta Green Jackets. The Sand Gnats just signed a two year extension as the affiliate of the New York Mets in the South Atlantic League. The Green Jackets are Single-A for the San Francisco Giants.

The April 9th game will feature a South Atlantic League tradition, 'Thirsty Thursday,' two for one Budweiser beers and Cokes. There will also be plenty of mischief between innings and it will be caped off with a fire works celebration after the game. I have not missed an Opening Day in Savannah, since 1995, when I took a road trip to Atlanta to see the Braves host the San Francisco Giants for their Opening Day ceremonies.

Last year, the Gnats missed the playoffs with a record of 61-76. This year they will have 72 games at Grayson Stadium. Last year, I was able to attend 15 games, mostly with friends from Hilton Head Island.

This year's team should be competitive, they have two 17 year olds anchoring the left-side of the infield. One of them, Wilmer Flores, is regarded as one of the best prospects in the Mets organization. He played extremely well at shortstop for the Kingsport Mets. The other hot prospect, Jefry Marte, hit .325 in the Gulf Coast League. There are four additional prospects that were taken in the first ten rounds of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.

For the complete 2009 schedule, please click the link below; http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t543

Savannah's 74th Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens

Starting Thursday, March 26, Savannah will open it's doors for a four day peek into the grand homes and elaborate gardens from it's well manicured historic district. Each day will focus on a different area and time in Savannah's rich history. People will take self guided pre-planned tours through the historic district and enter these homes that are not usually open to the public.You will see homes that were built just before the War of 1812, others constructed during the Antebellum period and finally you will be able to peer into Victorian mansions.

Other tours that are offered are more specialized, such as; John Norris, who designed many homes before the start of the Civil War, a gardener's tour, tour of Bonaventure Cemetery and a tour of Christ Church. In addition there will many seminars, topics included; Preserving a City, Antique Silver, Antique Furniture, Pearls, Creating and Restoring Furniture, and Container Gardening.

There is a lot going on, especially with food samplings and receptions at the close of each day's learning experience or adventure. Believe me, nobody will be able to attend all of these events, conflicting times and the ticket prices will start to balloon if you are not careful. My advice, put yourself on a budget each day and attend a program that you think you might find very rewarding. Remember if you decide you would like to purchase a historic home, I am your guy!

I am posting a link below, so you can see what is being offered over the next four days. This event keeps growing every year. Enjoy. BRING YOUR CAMERA!

www.savannahtourofhomes.org

9th Annual Taste of Savannah, Friday, February 20th. Always a favorite of Savannahians!

Do you ever become confused on where to eat? Are you reserved about trying something that is not familiar to you? I have the answer, the 9th Annual Taste of Savannah. This year over 20 restaurants and hotels will be represented at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center this Friday night from 7-10 PM.

The price of admission, $50.00, will allow you to sample menu items from the participants. Hey, it's a great way to sample many items for the price of having a great meal out. This gives you the opportunity to try something new, your pallet may or may not enjoy, but you have the option to move onto the next booth. This a great way to add another favorite restaurant to your short list of places to dine.

Some of my favorite places will be represented; Belford's, Bistro Savannah, Garibaldi's, Moonriver, The Old Pink House and Vic's on the River. I am always open to try something new.

There will also be a cash bar available, raffle tickets and music will be provided by Jeremy Davis & The Equinox Jazz Orchestra.

There will judging for the following categories; Best Appetizer, Best Novelty Food Item, Best Entree, Best Dessert, Booth Decoration and the Guest Choice for Food Item.

Cocktail attire is encouraged and you can view the all the participants at the following website;

http://www.tasteofsavannah.org/home.cfm?pid=99&CFID=552386&CFTOKEN=533e2d88de7a5b8-8F586D3A-DAF6-A0CF-EF926D8957D008A7&jsessionid=f030590560f54d7a8c8d10c321e2b475825f

Savannah's Irish Festival; February 13-15, 2009. Great Fun with Friends and Family!

The Savannah Irish Festival returns for the 17th time this year, it begins this Friday evening at the Savannah Civic Center. Last year, I went with many of my friends and ran into others from the Creative Coast and the LowCountry. After we entered, I took a chance on a raffle to win a trip to Ireland and then I made my way to purchase a Guinness Stout. Walking into the Civic Center the place was flush with all types of vendors, and stages that celebrated Irish Culture.

I had some Sheppard's Pie before I explored the vendors, one flag vendor caught my particular attention. He was selling all types of Irish Flags, but the one that sparked my interest was the flag of the Irish Brigade from the Union Army of the Potomac. They were also selling beautiful sweaters, but it was 75 that day, no need for warmth.

Constantly, there was a performer going on one of the stages to entertain the audience. I spent a great afternoon with my friends, listening to the Irish music and sampling Irish food and beverage.

This year's event starts at 6 PM on Friday with a performance by Ceili, all attendees will be taught how to Irish Folk Dance in large groups. This will continue until 9 PM.

The doors will re-open on Saturday at 10:30 AM and on Sunday at Noon. There will be four stages of continuous entertainment that will include top traditional Irish acts, arts & crafts, Irish History, Music and Literature.

There is a entrance fee of $10. To view more, click the link; http://www.savannahirish.org/

Super Museum Sunday in Savannah, February 8

This Sunday, February 8, the Coastal Heritage Society will open the doors of all of it's museums for no charge. The museums include, the Round House Museum, Battlefield Park and Old Fort Jackson. They will open from Noon to 4 PM. I have broken down the museums, so that you can see what they are offering on Sunday.

Round House Museum

The Round House Museum is what is left of the Central Georgia Railroad, most of the buildings and machine shops were constructed in the early 1850's. What is unique is that it is one of the largest railroad museums in the country, which includes a working turn-table in the middle of the complex.

This Sunday, they will offer tours of the historic railroad cars, blacksmith demonstrations, numerous children's activities and a hard-hat preservation tour.

Battlefield Park

This park is reconstruction of a British Redoubt from the Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War in 1779. Visitors are able to walk through and get an understanding of military construction in the Eighteenth Century, the original was discovered not too far from the site.

On Sunday, the redoubt will be alive with history. Soldiers from the American Revolution will perform weapon demonstrations, which include musket and cannon firings. This a great venue to experience life of a soldier during the American Revolution.

Old Fort Jackson

This fort was initially constructed just before the War of 1812 and was improved in the years preceding the American Civil War. During the war, the fort was garrisoned by the Confederacy and was the Headquarters of the Savannah River Squadron.

At Fort Jackson, visitors will be able to experience Confederate garrison life through rifle and cannon demonstrations. There will also be kid's activities.

I am a member of the Coastal Heritage Society, they are very good with their programs. This weekend is suppose to be milder than the past week, so if you have no plans, make an effort to visit these gems. IT IS FREE OF CHARGE. A great way to experience some of our history from the Creative Coast. 

Southern Women's Show; February 6 - 8 in Savannah

This weekend, it is expected that thousands of women will descend on Hutchinson Island. Why? That is where the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center will host the Savannah Women's Show.

The show will offer fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities. It will also feature over 300 exhibitors, ranging in topics such as, boutiques, jewelers, travel and health care.

I have looked at the schedule, there is something constantly happening over there, from the demonstrations to a question and answer forum on important topics.

The doors will open on Friday and Saturday at 11 AM and again at Noon on Sunday. Admission is $ 9, plus extra for parking at the center. My suggestion is take advantage of the free parking downtown on Saturday and Sunday and use the water cab.

I have been invited to go, it will be on Friday that I attend. The rest of the weekend has already been planned. Please visit the web site, http://www.southernshows.com/wsa/

9th Annual Low Country Living Home & Garden Show, Always Fun to See New Trends.

This weekend, January 23 -25, the Low Country Home & Garden Show returns to Savannah's International Trade & Convention Center. The Expo is designed for those who are restoring, renovating or building thier home. It will give new ideas and trends that are being practiced by housing industry.

There will be plenty of contractors, building materials, decks, pools, spas, windows, window treatments, cooking utensils, garden accessories and much more. I have been to this in the past and there is plenty of activity, there is always something capturing the attendees' interests. In the past, it was usually the cooking shows, but this year there is a Green Living Stage.

The Green Living Stage will present seminars in solar energy, energy efficiency, Green Kitchens and tax incentives. This is a path that many new homes are following. Other presentations include two regulars from HGTV. Chayse Dacoda, from Get it Together, will focus on couples coming together on a look and a style for a room and for your green thumbs, Erica Glasner, A Gardener's Diary, will help you put a plan together for your garden, court yard or back yard. 

The Show will also be offering a complimentary wine tasting and a gourmet food sampling.

The fun begins this Friday at 2 PM and continues til 7 PM, the Doors open on Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at 11 AM. There is an admission fee of $7 and a parking fee for $5. For those already near River Street, take the complimentary water cab. I am posting a link to the home show below.

http://www.showtechnology.com/shows/Savannah/Savannah.html

Savannah's Lighted Christmas Parade 2008

Starting on Friday, the Holiday season continues in Savannah. This fantastic event begins on River Street, snaking through Broughton Street and finishes in City Market. The nice perk is that there is free parking beginning at Noon on Friday, the safe areas are from Gaston Street to River Street and between East Broad and MLK Boulevard. 

On Friday, art, crafts and food vendors will lay claim to the parking lots along the Savannah River. Holiday dances and music will begin in the early afternoon and will climax with fireworks over the river at 9:30 PM.

Events on Saturday begin at 9 AM, again the streets will ring with Holiday entertainment. At 5:30 PM, the Lighted Christmas Parade will commence with River Street's new Streetcar, as the honorary Grand Marshall. The car was totally restored and just recently arrived from Philadelphia. The parade will march through River Street up the ramp onto Lincoln Street and turn on to Broughton, finishing in City Market. There are plenty of great vantage points for viewing the parade. 

Sunday  will be the short day, but the vendors do open at 9 AM. So if you want to spend quality time in downtown Savannah this might be an event for you. For more information visit; www.riverstreet.com

Savannah's Christmas Boat Parade, Holiday Cheer along the Savannah River

The 2008 holiday season kicks off this week with Thanksgiving, Black Friday and the Savannah Christmas Boat Parade. While many families will be shopping to grab early deals and keeping an eye on College football's rivalry weekend, many in the Savannah area will flock to see the River gleaming with Christmas Lights.

Many area boaters have or will place Holiday decorations on their boats for this years' cruise along the Savannah River. Again, I have been invited to help crew the Vincenza and help prepare her on her journey to help celebrate the start of the season. Hopefully, the weather is not as cold as 2007, we needed Grand Marnier to keep us warm.

The Christmas Flotilla will assemble at the Westin Hotel on Hutchinson Island around dusk, the order will then be given to launch. Our course will take us to the west end of River Street, from there we will turn 180 degrees and pass along a crowd filled River Street, they will cheering and waving to the fleet as it passes. Last year, the crowd extended from the abandoned power station to the Marriott Hotel. From just past the Marriott, we will pause as the skies around Savannah will be showcased with fireworks. 

Savannah's Christmas Boat Parade @ Yahoo! Video

After the fireworks, the boats will return to their slips and the crews and others will join the outside oyster roast that is hosted by the Westin. 

This year's event begins at 3 PM on Saturday, November 29. It is great way to spend the afternoon and early evening celebrating the Holidays on the Savannah River.